GENESEO — Four men from Illinois and Iowa have been arrested following a two-day human trafficking suppression operation in Geneseo, authorities said Thursday. The arrests are part of a larger statewide effort to combat sexual exploitation of minors through targeted stings by law enforcement agencies.
Targeted Operation in Henry County
The arrests took place between June 11 and June 12, as part of a demand-suppression initiative coordinated by the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation’s Trafficking Enforcement Bureau. The Geneseo-based sting aimed to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to engage in commercial sex acts with minors.
Who Was Arrested?
The following individuals were taken into custody and charged with a range of felonies related to child solicitation and exploitation:
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Ryan J. Molln, 47, of Walnut, Illinois
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Two counts of indecent solicitation of a child (Class 2 felony)
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Two counts of traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 felony)
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Two counts of solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 felony)
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One count of grooming (Class 4 felony)
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Juan C. Soto-Deanda, 31, of East Moline, Illinois
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Traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 felony)
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Solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 felony)
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Marqueis L. Lewis Sr., 45, of Davenport, Iowa
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Traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 felony)
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Solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 felony)
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Adrian Amezola, 43, of Sterling, Illinois
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Traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 felony)
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Solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 felony)
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Sexual exploitation of a child (Class A misdemeanor)
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Law Enforcement Collaboration
The Geneseo operation involved extensive coordination across agencies. Alongside the Illinois State Police:
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ISP SWAT, ISP analysts, and the ISP Intelligence Support Unit played roles in surveillance and tactical support
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Blackhawk Area Task Force assisted in regional coordination
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Henry County Sheriff’s Office helped with local enforcement
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Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office supported legal processing and charging
A Larger Statewide Mission
This operation is part of a broader mission by the Illinois State Police to crack down on human trafficking and protect children across the state.
“Human trafficking includes the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel individuals into commercial sex acts, labor, or services against their will,” ISP stated.
The focus on demand suppression — targeting those actively seeking to exploit minors — reflects a strategic shift in anti-trafficking enforcement statewide.
How to Report Suspected Human Trafficking
Illinois residents, including those in the Chicago region and downstate areas, are urged to stay vigilant. Signs of trafficking can include:
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Unusual behavior in public places like malls, rest stops, or hotels
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Minors involved in suspicious travel or communication with unknown adults
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Individuals appearing coached, submissive, or controlled by others
To report suspected trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
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Call 888-373-7888
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Text 233733
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